Identify Two Books Your Students Will Read ✓ Solved
Identify two books that your students will read. Make sure
1. Identify two books that your students will read. Make sure the books are grade level appropriate (8th Grade) and align with your content area (Computer Science/Tech Apps). You must provide your grade level and content area of licensure in the assignment.
2. Combine the course readings with independent research on literacy assessment strategies in order to create plans to assess students' literacy focusing on each dimension of literacy - oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
3. Make sure that your plans connect to the books that your students will read by including specific vocabulary from the book in word-based assessments and include specific comprehension strategies when assessing comprehension. Make sure to plan for assessing phonological awareness, phonics, and fluency even if you plan to teach at the secondary level.
4. Cite the credible sources you found through your research on literacy assessment to create your plans.
Paper For Above Instructions
In an educational context, selecting appropriate literature for students is pivotal in enhancing their understanding and engagement, particularly within the framework of Computer Science and Technology Applications for 8th graders. The two recommended books for this age group are "The Cyberiad" by Stanisław Lem and "Life as We Knew It" by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Both texts not only resonate with students' interests but also provide substantial material for literacy assessments focusing on various dimensions of literacy.
Book Selection and Justification
"The Cyberiad" is a collection of stories that present a humorous yet thought-provoking view of technology and artificial intelligence. It encompasses a range of vocabulary related to technological concepts and challenges. On the other hand, "Life as We Knew It" explores the impact of a catastrophic event on society, encouraging discussions around resilience and human ingenuity. This novel also introduces technical vocabulary related to survival and community dynamics.
Grade Level and Content Area
Both selected books are grade-level appropriate for 8th graders, aligning seamlessly with the content area of Computer Science and Technology Applications. The thematic elements of these texts bridge literacy skills with technological understanding, making them ideal for an integrated curriculum.
Assessment Plans
The literacy assessment plans will focus on key dimensions: oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Each of these areas will be connected to the chosen texts and will incorporate specific strategies and activities.
Oral Language
Students will participate in group discussions about the themes of both books. Through guided questions, they will practice articulating their thoughts clearly and listening to their peers. This method not only enhances oral language skills but also promotes critical thinking.
Phonological Awareness and Phonics
To assess phonological awareness, students can engage in word sorting activities that involve vocabulary from both texts. For phonics, students will be introduced to terminology from “The Cyberiad” that includes technology-specific words. For instance, they can create flashcards that demonstrate the phonetic sounds of these terms.
Fluency
Fluency assessments will include timed readings of selected excerpts from both books. Students will read passages aloud, focusing on pace, expression, and accuracy. This practice is essential for developing reading fluency and text comprehension.
Vocabulary
Assessment of vocabulary will involve the creation of word banks drawn from both texts. Activities may include matching vocabulary words with their definitions or using them in context within sentences. For example, words from "The Cyberiad" related to robotics can help students connect concepts with terminology.
Comprehension
To measure comprehension, specific strategies such as summarization, questioning, and prediction will be utilized. Students could summarize a chapter of "Life as We Knew It," reflecting on how the characters adapt to their changing environment. Additionally, comprehension questions will be formulated that require deeper analysis and connections to their own understanding of technology and its implications.
Research on Literacy Assessment
A well-rounded understanding of literacy assessment strategies is crucial. According to Hill and Miller (2017), assessments should be formative, capturing students' ongoing learning processes. They recommend incorporating diverse strategies that connect with students' interests and backgrounds to enhance engagement.
Furthermore, the use of technology in literacy assessment is emphasized by Duke and Pearson (2002), who argue that integrating multimedia can foster deeper comprehension. Effective use of educational technology provides opportunities for nuanced assessments aligned with 21st-century skills.
Additionally, the American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, and National Council on Measurement in Education (2014) endorse the design of assessments that are valid and reliable, ensuring that the literacy dimensions are effectively evaluated across diverse learning environments.
Conclusion
The integration of literature with comprehensive literacy assessment strategies enhances students' engagement and understanding in Computer Science and Technology Applications. By selecting meaningful texts, such as "The Cyberiad" and "Life as We Knew It," and employing various assessment methods, educators can foster critical literacy skills that support students' academic growth.
References
- American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, & National Council on Measurement in Education. (2014). Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing.
- Duke, N. K., & Pearson, P. D. (2002). Effective Practices for Developing Reading Comprehension. In A. E. Farstrup & S. J. Samuels (Eds.), What Research Has to Say About Reading Instruction (3rd ed., pp. 205-242). International Reading Association.
- Hill, M., & Miller, B. (2017). Practical Literacy Assessment Strategies for Classroom Use. Pearson Education.
- Lem, S. (2003). The Cyberiad: Fables for the Cybernetic Age. Penguin Books.
- Pfeffer, S. B. (2006). Life as We Knew It. Harcourt.
- Stahl, S. A. (2004). Word Study: A Focus on Word Knowledge. In J. Flood, D. Lapp, J. R. Squire, & J. Jensen (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Teaching the English Language Arts (pp. 99-106). Routledge.
- Tompkins, G. E. (2010). Literacy for the 21st Century: A Comprehensive Guide to Teaching Reading and Writing. Pearson.
- Vaughn, S., & Linan-Thompson, S. (2004). Assessment and Intervention for Struggling Readers. In S. J. Samuels & A. E. Farstrup (Eds.), What Research Has to Say About Reading Instruction (3rd ed., pp. 239-264). International Reading Association.
- Walpole, S., & McKenna, M. (2007). Differentiated Reading Instruction: A Teacher's Guide. The Guilford Press.
- Weaver, C. (1996). Teaching Grammar in the Context of Writing. Heinemann.